Yo, let’s talk about how Teso-Karamoja showed up and showed out at the Miss Tourism Uganda 2025 and Man of Tourism International grand finale on September 5. This wasn’t just another glitzy night, it was pure magic, culture on steroids, and history in the making. I was there, on the ground, eyes wide open, notebook in hand, talking to judges, cluster heads, and fans, witnessing Teso steal the spotlight like true rockstars of tourism.
I am thinking, should we take them one after the other? Ohh! Yeah, let’s roll!
Amusolo Pauline Leizel – The Blueprint of a Queen
Let’s give the loudest flowers to Amusolo Pauline Leizel, because sis didn’t just compete, she devoured the stage, snatched the mic, and left the judges floored. Crowned 1st Runner-Up Miss Tourism Uganda 2025 with 312 points (only 4 points shy of the crown!), Amusolo also scooped Miss Photogenic and Best in Talent. Talk about a clean sweep!
When the heat was on during Q&A, Amusolo delivered with sniper precision. Asked how she’d push sustainable tourism under the theme “I Am My Culture,” she didn’t fumble. Instead, she mapped out a killer plan, reviving cultural festivals like the Akogo Festival and the upcoming Kide Cultural Festival being organized by the writer (Emuk Benjamen, a cultural advocate), harnessing social media to vibe with the youth, and using storytelling to remix history into living tourism.
This wasn’t just talk. This was a masterclass in confidence, clarity, and cultural pride. From a pool of 26 contestants down to Top 10, then Top 5, Amusolo climbed the ladder like a queen on a mission. The judges told me straight-up—her performance was “insane,” her energy unmatched. Pauline understood the assignment and executed it flawlessly.
Teso’s Avengers Assemble
But Amusolo wasn’t alone, Teso rolled deep and victorious. Aanyu Catrionah bagged Miss Talent, lighting up the stage with creativity that slapped different. Among Janet muscled her way into the Top 5, proving the region’s queens are built for greatness. And the cherry on top? Amuriat Isaac walked away as Man of Tourism International 2025, yep, Teso’s got kings too!
That’s not just representation. That’s domination.
The Grind Behind the Glam
Now, here’s the tea I scooped while talking to insiders: This competition wasn’t just about standing pretty and smashing Q&As. Contestants went through boot camp, where they were tested, grilled, and scored on confidence, resilience, teamwork, and cultural knowledge. From boot camp to finale, every move counted.
As one of the cluster heads for Teso, Jonathan Omecha, told me, “This year’s Miss Tourism was crazy competitive. I applaud Teso for standing out and showcasing the best of culture. If it wasn’t for some small slip-ups at boot camp, maybe we’d have taken even bigger titles. Still, our girls and boys shined, and that’s what matters.”
The judges echoed the same vibe. They revealed to me that this year was next-level tough, contestants were aggressive, laser-focused, and separated by razor-thin margins. The girls, especially, were neck-and-neck, with only a 4-point gap between the winner and the runner-up. That’s how lit it was!
Miss Tourism Uganda & Man of Tourism International – Bigger Than Crowns
At the end of the day (day here doesn’t mean day but the night the event transpired), this pageant wasn’t just about who got the crown it was about who brought the culture, who carried the confidence, and who repped Uganda like a boss. Miss Tourism Uganda 2025, Nachap Kezia Cindy, and Man of Tourism International 2025, Amuriat Isaac, are now not just winners, but cultural ambassadors.
But let’s keep it a buck: Teso-Karamoja ran the show. Should we just talk about Teso and Karamoja? Ohhh! How about equating the BIG wins to the EAST? Well, regardless, Eastern and Northeastern Uganda reigned supreme at the Miss Uganda and Man of Tourism International 2025 showdown! From Karamoja’s Nachap Kezia Cindy taking the crown, to Teso’s warriors and queens sweeping multiple titles, the night was nothing short of a cultural takeover!
What makes this year’s results poetic is that Karamoja and Teso stood tall side by side. These neighboring regions, rich in culture and resilience, practically ran the finale and as someone who’s seen a lot awards and been part of such pageants. (Emuk) I can without doubt reveal, to you that, the East didn’t just participate, it owned the night!
Talking of the EAST, Karamoja, a region that shares deep cultural ties and a geographical border with Teso, making this victory a win for both communities!
In her acceptance speech, The Karamojong girl praised her mother for being her rock, dedicated the crown to her, and encouraged all the contestants, “We are all queens. It’s never too late until it’s the end, go shine, girl!”
Her win showed that Karamoja isn’t just rising, it’s roaring. And when you add that to Teso’s powerhouse performance, the message was clear: the East is the heartbeat of Uganda’s tourism scene.
Call it dominance, call it destiny but the night saw Karamoja and Teso headline the act of Miss Tourism and Man of Tourism International 2025 and was surely one, packed with glitz, gospel vibes, wild drama, and unstoppable energy, Teso and Karamoja didn’t just shine, they blazed. With Nachap and Amusolo leading the charge, backed by Aanyu, Among, and Amuriat, the region turned the Miss Uganda & Man of Tourism International 2025 stage into its own runway of pride.
So yeah, give it up. Stand up. Clap it out. Throw the flowers. Teso, Karamoja you did the thing and we see you!
Filed from the Miss Tourism Uganda 2025 Grand Finale by Emuk Benjamen, live witness and storyteller of Teso’s triumph.
